A splash pad installed at Russellville’s City Park — a result of private-public partnerships — is slated to open next week.

The splash pad project began when members of the Junior Auxiliary (JA) approached Recreation and Parks Director Mack Hollis and offered to donate part of the splash pad itself as well as to raise funds for the project.

Amy Tarpley, who was JA president in 2011, said she got the idea for the splash pad after visiting other cities that had them, and felt the project would be a great project for JA.

Hollis said he felt the project was an added benefit to City Park, which has received several upgrades in recent years.

“This continues to what we are trying to do as far as the quality of life for the citizens of Russellville and the surrounding area,” he said. “... We want to make all of our parks, we want to make them not only usable, but we want to make it where people want to go and want to use them.”

The JA and Recreation and Parks Department have worked on the project since 2011, and originally hoped to open in May 2012. Hollis said the delay was in gathering all the funding.

Finally, the finances came together, with $22,000 coming from the city, $12,045 from JA, and $2,500 from the Advertising and Promotion Commission. The project got under way, and Hollis said the splash pad was largely completed by December, but the weather was too cold to open it to the public.

Now, the weather is getting warmer and beginning Tuesday, area children and families will be able to enjoy splashing in the park seven days a week.

Hollis said the splash pad will be open from 9 a.m. until dark through September, possibly even into October if weather permits.

“After two years, JA is so excited to see this project to fruition and so thankful for all the city has done to help with this project,” Tarpley said.